Seena Magowitz Golf Classic raises $423,280

Funds will go toward pancreatic cancer research

David Perry -- Furniture Today, March 6, 2009

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Seena Magowitz Golf Classic, a major fund-raiser for pancreatic cancer research that is broadly supported by the home furnishings industry, had an even more successful event last December than earlier thought.

Co-founder Roger Magowitz, who teamed with fellow bedding retailer Ray Bojanowski to launch the event in 2003, initially reported that the sixth edition of the golf event raised almost $400,000, a record total, and one that flew in the face of the downturn hitting charity events around the country.

But the fund-raising for the Seena Magowitz event continued, and the final figures for the golf classic and the fund-raising that is conducted with it put the total proceeds at $423,280.

"We are pleased with this impressive showing, especially as it comes at a time when other fund-raising events are struggling," said Magowitz, president of Virginia Beach, Va.-based Mattress Discounters. "But we still have a lot of work to do in the battle to beat pancreatic cancer."

The Seena Magowitz Golf Classic honors Magowitz's mother, Seena, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2001. The event has raised almost $1.2 million for pancreatic cancer research and awareness, and is one of the largest events of its kind focused on pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer.

Magowitz, Bojanowski and Liz McBeth, tournament director, now take their campaign to Capitol Hill. The three are once again attending the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Advocacy Day, set for March 31. The theme of this year's event is "Raise Your Voice on Capitol Hill." Pancreatic cancer advocates will gather on March 30 to prepare for their meetings with members of Congress the next day.

Planning for the 2009 edition of the Seena Magowitz Golf Classic is already under way. The event is set for Dec. 5, 2009, at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, where last year's event was held.

The 2008 event featured 172 golfers, and was supported by virtually all of the major bedding producers and suppliers, in addition to a number of key mattress and home furnishings retailers and companies.